Discover South Africa

There’s something special about seeing a place on horseback. Take a slow trot as you appreciate the views or ride down the sweeping sand dunes, the fresh air filling your lungs and exhilaration pumping through your veins.

Horse riding at Grootbos is suitable for anyone, whether you’re a complete novice or a more experienced rider. Go for a relaxed ride through the fynbos or ride one of our special horses that are specifically trained for the beach. Our 22 horses at the Grootbos stables are well exercised and expertly trained, while all of our guides have years of experience in dealing with these noble animals.

The Southern Right whales visit Walker Bay each year and being witness to them in action whilst they breach and blow is a very special experience to observe.These peaceful giants of the deep come to Walker Bay to mate and calf in the sanctuary of the Bay.. The Walker Bay rocky outcrops offer close viewing points from elevated positions.The Grootbos guides know all the best spots and this guided experience is an experience of a lifetime.

Grootbos Nature Reserve has an exclusive boat trip, through Dyer Island Cruises, leaving every morning from Kleinbaai harbour. Besides seeing the amazing whales, this trip offers a complete experience of the Marine Big5, which includes the whales, dolphins, African Penguins, Cape Fur Seals and surface viewing of the Great White Shark. The boat comfortably accommodates 20 guests, has a toilet, upper decks, shelter from the sun as well as snacks and drinks provided onboard. The boat also has specialized guides, who can provide all the facts about the whales as well as other interesting information about the magnificent marine life. As these gentle giants are very curious, they often swim right up to the boat to get a better view of the boat and the guests. This trip takes about 2 hours and is a marine experience not to be missed!

Boat-based whale watching is not part of the standard Grootbos activities included in your rate.

One of the most exciting experiences at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is the Great White Shark cage diving. Gansbaai has the reputation for being the shark capital of the world. Divers and adventurers travel from all over the world to watch this magnificent creature in the waters around Dyer Island. Every day a number of boats leave Kleinbaai harbour to spend a few hours on the water to view the Great White Sharks from the boat or to go diving in a cage with these elegant and large predators. This is a once in a lifetime experience not to be missed!

Cage Diving (No diving experience required!)
This is truly one of the most adventurous activities on our planet, coming face to face with the Great White Shark. No diving experience is required, and all equipment is provided on board. When the sharks are around the boat, the divers get into the cage and the shark is lured to within meters from the cage. As the shark approaches, divers duck under water and marvel in amazement as this awe inspiring creature swims past the cage.

Surface Viewing
Grootbos guests have the choice to either enter the cage on the shark boat or view these magnificent creatures from the top deck of the boat. Surface Viewing is normally suitable for people wanting to see the shark from out of water and not necessarily come face to face with it inside the water. However, it is often commented that one gets a better view of the sharks from the top deck.

Shark Cage Diving is not part of the standard Grootbos activities included in your rate.

Keep still, listen intently and you’ll be amazed at the things you learn on a botanical safari. With the richest temperate flora in the world and six completely new species never discovered by science before, your time at Grootbos will mean that you’ll never look at plants and flowers in quite the same way again.

The 800 recorded plant species in our 2500 hectares of pristine wilderness will bring the fascinating story of fynbos and forest to life as you touch, smell and see the natural miracles that surround you. Learn how a sunbird’s beak fits perfectly into a flower, why the honey our bees produce is completely unique and how important ravaging fires are for bringing forth new life.

As a guest at Grootbos, there are so many different ways to enjoy the beach. You can take a long, relaxing walk on a solitary shore; laze in the sun on the luxurious white sand; or explore the unique coastal ecosystem while looking out for frolicking whales.

Our guides know exactly where to take you for the best swimming, tanning, walking, whale watching, angling and several other oceanic experiences on offer. We’ll transport you to and from the beach and provide you with a picnic lunch and all the beach accessories you need to enjoy your day in the sun.

Grootbos also offers guided beach tours where you can learn about the unique intertidal ecosystem; the abundant marine life; the coastal vegetation; and the geological forces that gave this coast its dramatic form.

A Bird's eyeview of Birding at Grootbos
Birding is akin to stargazing. On cloudless days, you see a myriad of these jewels flickering and floating in the sky, and once you know where and what to look for, you are transfixed by the ethereal pattern and order in their endless motion.
The Grootbos reserve and surrounding areas are a magnet to a wide variety of rare and endemic bird species feeding and breeding in the rich and diverse habitats. You know birding is not for the birds when you see how the Malachite Sunbird, with its bright green iridescent plumage, compete for attention with the flowering aloes and proteas. Grootbos is a birder friendly establishment endorsed by Birdlife SA. Our knowledgeable guides are geared to give bird watchers of all levels a winged overview of these magnificent creatures that enliven our skies and flora with their beauty and procreative activities.
Let's face it, the dazzling tapestry of fynbos wildflowers on Grootbos is not meant to attract tourists - the colourful displays of petals are nature's magic to lure birds and other pollinators to their nectar in exchange for spreading their pollen.

The beaks of the conspicuous endemic Orange-breasted Sunbird and the Southern Double-collared Sunbird are tailor-made for sipping the sweet stuff from the floral tubes of the various Erica species. You cannot miss the male Cape Sugarbird, with its ridiculously long tail (almost 70% of its total length), feeding on the nectar of Protea species. The impressive tail is solely a decorative testimony to manhood - the longer, the better! They whip their tails to attract females and ward off rivals.
In breeding season (September to April) Grootbos guests will encounter a magnitude of feisty and friendly fellows sticking together albeit they are not of the same feather. The diverse habitats - from fynbos, Milkwood and Afromontane forests to riverine scrub and mountain slopes - accommodate at least 120 different bird species, of which 30% are endemic or near endemic to Southern Africa. These include specials such as the Knysna Woodpecker, Cape Clapper-lark and the Southern Tchagra.

Flagship raptors of the area are the majestic Black Harrier, Jackal Buzzard, Forest Buzzard and African Fish-Eagle. The nearby agricultural fields are home to Blue Cranes, the Agulhas Long-billed Lark and the Denham’s Bustard.
Coastal Birding Tours
Grootbos, in partnership with Dyer Island Cruises, also takes guests on a "game viewing" cruise to Dyer Island, where endemics such as the African Black Oystercatcher, Hartlaub’s Gull, Crowned-, Cape- and Bank Cormorant, African Penguin as well as the Cape Gannet flourish. Pelagic species such as the Shy Albatross, Sooty Shearwater and Giant Petrels are also seen from time to time.

The Klipgat Cave outside De Kelders evokes vivid images of pre-historic times when modern man lived haply in symbiotic harmony with nature off the bounty of land and sea when the coastline was still kilometres away. This historical site in the Walker Bay was home to Middle Stone Age peoples some 70 000 to 80 000 years ago when large antelope such as black wildebeest and the extinct “blaauwbok” still abounded in the bay where dolphins, seals and whales now flourish.

Archaeological findings indicate that these primitive folks mainly lived off plants and smaller animals such as dune mole rats, tortoises and hares. They hunted steenbok and eland, while seabirds, shellfish and seals also formed an important part of their diet.

Dubbed Klipgat Cave (stone with a hole) after the remarkable window-like openings in the limestone rock formations that yield spectacular views of the bay and sea, the site is one of the most important cultural assets in the Western Cape. Innumerable stories of the perils and pleasures of yesteryear’s peoples unfold as layer upon layer of deposits reveal fascinating secrets of the tides, temperatures and living conditions of those early times. Later Stone Age pastoralists, believed to be the Khoekhoen/Khoikhoi, already kept sheep, and probably even cattle and dogs, in this area as early as 2 000 years ago.

They chiselled tools such as “needles” and “spatulas” out of bone to create ornaments, shell beads and pendants. Ostrich eggs were fashioned into water flasks, and tortoise shells served as bowls. These artefacts and bone samples are on display in the Cape Town Museum.

Unfortunately, the bulk of tell-tale everyday details of the loves and losses of man’s early ancestors is forever buried in the crags and crevices of this early home. Around 1713, a devastating smallpox epidemic claimed the lives of the entire local human population. The Klipgat Cave is of World Heritage significance and managed by Cape Nature Conservation.

For those who just want to relax we offer an array of spa treatments. It is time to tip-toe into a slower world where the mind can drift away on the vapors of luxurious scents, such as sandalwood, arnica and buchu, while the body melts under the soothing touch of our fully qualified beauty therapist. Pampering takes place in the comfort of your own suite. For the tired body, a therapeutic full body massage is a definite must, leaving you in a state of absolute calmness. For the weary feet, reflexology, including a footbath, will most certainly do the trick. Manicures, pedicures, facials and a host of other treatments are available on request in our Bloom Beauty Salon or in the privacy of the suites at Grootbos.

Spa Treatments are not part of the standard Grootbos activities included in your rate.

Enjoy an entrancing stroll through our Milkwood forest or a more revitalising hike up our fynbos-clad mountains, as you begin to understand what makes Grootbos quite so special. From a sunbird sipping from a flower to an ocean vista that leaves you breathless, surprises await you around every corner.

Trails are all well marked and you can choose between self-guided walks or guided walks, to learn more about these fascinating and secretive eco-systems. Gaze into the petals of a King Protea, breathe in the blackcurrant scent of buchu or simply listen to the exquisite silence that surrounds you.

Hop aboard the Lady Stanford river boat for a iconic and tranquil river cruise that winds its way gently along the picturesque Klein River, toward the Hermanus lagoon. Spend time on the open upper and lower decks of this modern eco-friendly river boat with its quiet, four-stroke boat engines, as you watch a kaleidoscope of natural colour go by.

No expense has been spared when it comes to comfort and luxury on board this vessel that most definitely stands out from the rest. A qualified skipper and experienced interactive guide, who intimately knows the river and all it has to offer, will ensure this journey is a memorable one. The Klein River features more than a hundred bird species which include majestic fish eagles, a flamboyance of pink flamingos and the ever spectacular, blue crane. Keep an eye out for otters, bontebok and horses grazing on the fertile river banks, as you make your way toward the lagoon. Lady Stanford runs daily trips for individual passengers as well as being available exclusively for private functions. The boat can comfortably accommodate 26 passengers.

The River Cruise is not part of the standard Grootbos activities included in your rate.

Take a tour with heart as you discover how the entire Grootbos experience has been designed around benefitting the community and environment around you. Learn and connect as you witness how our various projects are changing lives and conserving this protected wilderness.

What is progressive tourism? It’s a term we coined to explain a new way of living that is at the heart of the entire Grootbos experience. It’s about every action we take benefitting someone else or having a positive impact on the environment.
From the freshly grown tomatoes you eat at lunch, to the recycled candles in your room, to the earrings you buy at the gift shop – we’re constantly seeking out new ways to create sustainable livelihoods for the people who call this unique area home.

This is the ultimate ride from Grootbos Nature Reserve down the mountain to the top of the Sand Dunes. The trail to the dunes is special, running on a narrow sandy horse trail through the Fynbos.
When reaching the dunes we will make our way up and across to reach a fantastic downhill section where we will pick up speed before reaching the top of our first vertical dune face. After a briefing on how to ride down the dune we down the face but for those just wanting an easy ride you can go around the side where it is an easy slope. The dune face may feel impossible and dangerous to do but the ride is in fact very controlled and the sand will slow the bike down.

What your mind tells you is impossible will in fact be very enjoyable and easy. I will be at the bottom of the dunes videoing your challenges so remember to smile. I will also teach you how to do slalom like a skiier on a snow ski slope. This is excellent fun on a bike and not too difficult to achieve. After the dunes we will pick up a 4x4 trail down to the beach. From there we will head back up to the car park but for those who are already tired I can bring the 4x4 down to the rocks so you do not have to ride up.

Fat Biking is not part of the standard Grootbos activities included in your rate.

Visit the home of the recently launched Grootbos Florilegium. The Hannarie Wenhold Botanical Art Gallery built on Grootbos Nature Reserve is an innovative space dedicated to the Florilegium’s fine botanical artworks and is a celebration of the hard work of all involved over the last five years.

The Grootbos Florilegium is the first contemporary African florilegium. Its intention is to celebrate and honor the Cape fynbos and the Cape Floral Kingdom in the southern Overberg, as a valuable botanical heritage of South Africa and as a record of the many rare, endemic and endangered plants of the region. The Florilegium is a global collaboration, featuring carefully selected botanical artists. 35 celebrated artists from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Reunion and the United Kingdom have lent their talent and expertise to the collaboration. A further 9 come from countries including the Netherlands, Brazil, the USA, Japan, Germany, South Korea and Italy.

The Grootbos Florilegium is representing nothing less than the best of the international botanical arts community.

Cries of the Atlantic seagulls, roar of seals and the rhythmic clink of yacht masts with the air imbued with a welcoming sea breeze. Embark on the sensory voyage that is Cape Grace’s afternoon tea overlooking the picturesque V&A Waterfront yacht marina and with the majestic Table Mountain as your backdrop, Cape Grace’s afternoon tea, curated by our renowned pastry team, promises an experience of unparalleled sophistication and charm.

Afternoon Tea Hours:
Thursday to Sunday
Bookings at either 14h30, 15h00 or 15h30

R550 per person.
R650 per person including a glass of Cap Classique.

Nourished by nature. Enabling genuine connection to self, others and nature through the essence of the Cape.

Uniquely situated in the heart of the city, our serene and exclusive Fairmont spa and gym spaces exude an intimate atmosphere akin to a private retreat.

Embrace the natural beauty of South Africa’s coastal treasures, majestic mountain ranges and grand floral kingdom at our spa, where the soothing whispers of the sea and the enchanting aroma of fynbos create an unforgettable sanctuary of tranquility.

Game drives at Londolozi are taken by professional, passionate and knowledgeable rangers and trackers, who amongst them have a wealth of 350 years of experience. With over 15 000 hectares of traversing wilderness, no two game drives are ever the same. Trackers sit up at the front of the Land Rover looking for fresh animal tracks, while rangers drive with astonishing skill into ravines and through thicket in pursuit of elusive animals, simultaneously wowing guests with their outstanding knowledge and unforgettable stories.

Many of the rangers and trackers at Londolozi grew up living off the land in these parts and therefore have an unmatched knowledge of both the area and the elements of nature within this wilderness wonderland. Londolozi boasts two of South Africa’s only 17 master trackers, which only adds to the excellence of the team and the experience they are able to deliver.

Come to Londolozi and embark on the experience of a lifetime. Allow our field guides to wow you with their knowledge, move you with their stories, and bring you one step closer to nature.

Suitable for the beautiful balmy bushveld days in May, June and July; there is nothing like walking in a winter wilderness. Drift down a game trail into a dry riverbed. Feel the crisp morning rhythm of Africa with each step on the winding path as you let nature captivate you in her essence. There is no vehicle, no noise and no distractions. This is when nature speaks to you.

Our children’s programme is uniquely tailored for each child, many of whom are budding junior game rangers. Our approach is based on a personal interaction with each child and is energetic and flexible. We regard nature as the great educator and with no set routines we allow the child to discover the world of the outdoor classroom which surrounds them. Nature sets the agenda and we enable these young people to discover something of themselves.

The birdlife at Londolozi represents a magic of diversity in perpetual motion and offers the visitor an entirely new frontier in wilderness engagement. A wide array of sunbirds seeking nectar from the flowering aloes is winter’s gift to the discerning birder, not to mention the other 450 species

which abound in these landscapes. Many fine ornithologist guides reside at Londolozi.

Yoga means ‘union’ in Sanskrit and refers to the bringing together of mind, body and spirit. Asanas, also a Sanskrit word, refers to the poses and postures developed in India to join mind and body in spiritual awareness.

At Londolozi we have added the powerful elements of nature to the yoga experience, using both the natural energy of the location and tailor made Asanas, to create a yoga form which is suitable for beginners and intermediate practitioners.

You are free to schedule a private yoga session in your room or in the shade of your deck. Alternatively, daily classes are held on the yoga deck at Founders Camp. Please ask your camp manager for class times. We look forward to you joining us to greet the sun and strengthen the vital life of the body.

"Londolozi could well be one of the most forward-thinking emotional-wellness offerings in southern Africa right now" - Condé Naste Traveller Magazine, The Spa Guide, 2019

At Londolozi, we believe in honouring ancient ways, harmony in flow and the rhythms of nature.

After four decades of delivering a photographic safari immersion to discerning international safari travellers, we believe that the time is now to create a new space which allows the Londolozi wilderness to become our enduring source of wellness.

Our hope is that at the Londolozi Healing House, situated at Varty Camp, you will rediscover what it means to be human, and attuned to the natural world.

The Londolozi Healing House is a place of remembering, a shift from the world of doing into the world of being, a chance to re-discover your own nature and access a deep and natural intelligence which lies within the still core of your own wild self.

The Londolozi Healing House experience will help you to combine the core safari excursions with artful resting, curated bodywork and yoga in the surrounds of the expansive wilderness presence of Londolozi. We have crafted some special activities for true rejuvenation, restoration and transformation.

Working with our trained Wellness Practitioners, Therapists and Wilderness Guides, we invite you to commune with the African wilderness and to find within you a sense of wellbeing. In the hurried world of today, true luxury is time to oneself in search of self-healing and connection to nature. The Londolozi Healing House is a place where time will allow for intangible magic, stillness and contemplation to stir deep within you.

“Wilderness reminds us what it means to be human, what we are connected to rather
than what we are separate from." – Terry Tempest Williams

Londolozi’s fully equipped gym offers running, cycling and rowing machines which allow for a perfect workout, complemented by a daily routine of eating well and relaxing into harmony with nature. The gym is situated in Varty Camp and is open to all guests.

Campfires, storytelling, red wine and good company are the hallmark of any winter safari. Coming from a long line of storytellers, Londolozi’s history is steeped in the tradition of campfire yarns told late into the night. In each of the 5 exclusive camps you can hear the whispers of our ancestors and embodied in our history, are the legends and myths of the mysteries and adventures of safari. Each camp has its own spirit and each has its own campfire which awaits you.

On visiting Londolozi in 1992 Mandela saw the vision that was being lived by the employees and management in collaboration with nature.

“During my long walk to freedom, I had the rare privilege to visit Londolozi. There I saw people of all races living in harmony amidst the beauty that mother nature offers” - Nelson Mandela

It is in this light that the Freedom’s Way art installation has been completed to draw attention to the values which Nelson Mandela put forward to our nation and to compliment the Londolozi village walk which all guests are encouraged to experience.

Starting at the 1926 Sparta Camp, situated in the heart of Varty Camp, the village walk in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela is led by Linah Lamula. This short walk from Varty Camp is best taken after breakfast. The village walk allows guests to interact with many of our staff and their families who have lived and worked at Londolozi for over 30 years.

While it is important to recognise Mandela’s solo achievements, it is critical that we take his passion into our own lives, taking forward the elements of great leadership to heal the human affliction in the world. Nelson Mandela is an icon and leader who is loved by all South Africans, young, old, rich and poor. He is known and respected throughout the world. Through all he suffered and achieved and through his attitude and values he has taught us the most valuable lessons as a country and each of us individuals.

Courage: “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid but he who conquers that fear.”

Freedom: “I have walked the long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter. I have made mistakes along the way. But I have discovered the secret after climbing a great hill, one only finds there are many more hills to climb.”

Resilience: “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling but in rising every time we fall.”

Trust: “We signal that good can be achieved amongst human beings who are prepared to trust, prepared to believe in the goodness of people.”

Unity: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Empathy: “I stand here before you not as a prophet but as a humble servant of you, the people. Your tireless and heroic sacrifices have made it possible for me to be here today. I, therefor place the remaining years of my life in your hands.”

Vision: “The power of imagination created the illusion that my vision went much further than the naked eye could actually see.”

Patience: “Patience is waiting, not passively waiting. But to keep going when the going is hard and slow.”

Londolozi is the home of the photographic safari and has long been recognised as a superb location for wildlife photography, specialising in the big cats. Incredible light, diverse scenery and a plethora of African wildlife set the stage for unsurpassed photographic theatre.

There are many ways to take advantage of this incredible location.

The Private Vehicle
For the photographic veteran, or anyone who is looking for privacy while on game drive, wanting a vehicle entirely to themselves.

A private safari vehicle can be reserved for individuals and families. A dedicated Ranger and Tracker team will focus on tailoring the safari experience around the guest’s specific needs and interests (e.g. birding, botany, big cats, photography etc.). This is ideal for experienced safari-goers or those who enjoy a little more privacy.

Included:

One morning and one afternoon game drive per day
A dedicated Ranger and Tracker team

The Londolozi Wildlife Photographic Experience
Perfect for beginner and enthusiast photographers who are wanting to make photography the main focus of their safari. For this safari option, we will pair you with a photographic tutor who will assist you both in the field and in post-processing and editing.

Londolozi is known across the world as a destination which offers remarkable photographic wildlife opportunities and is the perfect place to learn and craft this incredible art form.

Included:

A private safari vehicle
A professional photographic tutor with advanced knowledge in:
The camera & best settings
Vehicle positioning
Expertise in the use of light (especially low light conditions)
Post processing & image organisation
A dedicated Ranger and Tracker team focused on getting you into the best photographic positions possible
Full access to the Londolozi Photography Studio for post-processing and editing.
This safari type must be requested and booked prior to arrival

Rent photographic equipment
The Photographic Studio offers guests the chance to rent a multitude of professional level photographic bodies, lenses and accessories. Gone are the days of lugging heavy camera gear around the world. Now it’s as simple as pre-booking your gear and finding it ready for use upon your arrival at the lodge.

First-time photographers can also try out the latest telephoto lens and body setups by requesting the equipment at the lodge. If you want to capture a close-up of a leopard in a tree, a fish eagle in flight or zebras grooming each other, the photographic studio has the right lens to get you the perfect shot.

The Photographic Studio- on location at Londolozi- is very popular with Londolozi guests, who are able to direct and produce their own creative work. With tuition from a qualified Lightroom instructor, you can spend time between game drives editing and printing your best safari shots on wide-format canvas or high quality photo paper, along with the final edited shots on a memory stick.

Londolozi Photographic Studio at a Glance

Open daily (booking required)
Edit your images using Lightroom CC on the latest widescreen retina display iMacs - an incredible process that would enhance any wildlife photo
Print your personal images onto wide-format canvas or photo paper
Take your edited shots with you on a memory stick